The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has defended the treason charges that were initially filed against minors involved in recent EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
Fagbemi stated that, under Nigerian law, there is no prohibition against trying minors, especially in cases involving national security concerns.
The AGF spoke on this matter at the inauguration of a new office complex in Abuja, commissioned by the law firm, The Law Corridor.
Clarifying the legal stance, Fagbemi said, “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.”
He further emphasized that cases of treason and similar offenses fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, regardless of the defendants’ ages.
Fagbemi, however, revealed that President Bola Tinubu intervened, choosing to end all proceedings against the young protesters purely on compassionate grounds.
“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather,” Fagbemi remarked.
He added, “If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel. But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children and grandchildren,’ and that motivated his decision to release them and also enable them in some ways.”
The Attorney-General credited Tinubu for the gesture, saying, “The credit goes to him (the President) for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
The treason charges were initially brought against 119 people who had taken part in nationwide protests between August 1 and August 10, demanding an end to bad governance.
Two separate cases involving these charges were struck out by the Federal High Court in Abuja last Tuesday after the AGF, on the president’s directive, withdrew the charges.
Among those facing charges, 32 minors were named as defendants in the first case, marked FHC/CR/503/2024, which involved ten counts.
In the second case, marked FHC/CR/527/2024, five minors were listed in the four-count charge.
The young defendants, some between the ages of 14 and 17, reportedly experienced severe distress in court, with four of them collapsing before the charges could even be read.
This incident drew significant attention, with many questioning the suitability of prosecuting teenagers in such high-stakes cases.
Legal stakeholders and civil rights advocates raised concerns, arguing that prosecuting minors for treason set a troubling precedent and could discourage youth from expressing their democratic rights.
Meanwhile, during the event, Fagbemi urged legal professionals to embrace partnerships within the field, which he believes will benefit both seasoned and younger lawyers.
“When seasoned practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation of practitioners learns from their experiences,” Fagbemi said, emphasizing mentorship’s value in enhancing the legal field.
He continued, “In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives in adaptability, driving the profession to new innovations.”
Fagbemi highlighted that collaboration within law firms supports sustainability, accountability, and resilience, helping lawyers better address client needs.
“Clients seek not just expertise but a team that understands their needs to receive comprehensive services,” he added, noting that strong partnerships can improve risk management and enhance service delivery.
The inauguration event for The Law Corridor was attended by prominent figures, including the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The law firm, led by managing partner Pelumi Olajengbesi, aims to be a model of collaborative legal practice, with Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu as lead partner and Ganiyu Ajibola Bello as deputy managing partner.
Fagbemi’s remarks come amid ongoing public debates on the appropriate treatment of young protesters in Nigeria, with many calling for a balance between upholding the law and respecting the rights and well-being of minors.